Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew could not hide his joy yesterday when the Falcons were given the go-ahead for an £11m redevelopment of their Kingston Park ground.

"It's fantastic," said Andrew after the announcement that the Falcons had been granted planning permission to increase capacity at the stadium to 10,000 following a five-day public inquiry in December.

"It means we can now move forward and turn Newcastle into one of the leading lights in European rugby."

The club has been on tenterhooks all week with a decision expected on the development, which is a partnership between the Falcons, Northumbria University and Northumberland County Rugby Union.

"We've done a lot of work to get where we are and now there is more to be done," said Andrew.

"But it is an enormous weight off our shoulders and ensures the future of top-class rugby union in the North-East."

The development will see an expansion of the clubhouse stand and the building of three new stands, an indoor training facility, provision for three new pitches, including an all-weather surface, and new car parking and access points.

The capacity at Kingston Park will eventually be 10,000, all under cover, probably with more than half seated, but there will still be provision for fans who prefer to stand.

But it is unlikely that work will start before the end of the season. Managing director John Parkinson said: "With the best will in the world, I think we will be very fortunate if we are on site by early June because we have a number of conditions to satisfy and we have to work closely with Newcastle City Council to make sure all interests, including those of nearby residents, are safeguarded.

"The last two years have been a long haul and we have been through a very extensive consultation exercise. Ideally we would like to get the stadium ready for next season, but that could be wishful thinking."

Newcastle are looking at the possibility of phased development with the South and West stands being built first and then the North stand and training barn.

The 10,000-capacity stadium will meet Premier Rugby requirements and the other training facilities will form a focus for the new RFU academy which will be based at Kingston Park.

Newcastle City Council granted outline planning permission in February 2001 for the plans but in May the Secretary of State called in the application, an action which led to a public inquiry.

"This club is now set on a course where we will be the envy not only of the rest of the country but Europe as well," Andrew said.

"With these facilities in place, I can envisage a time when this club provides at least 10 players for an England v Scotland international."

Northern entertain Stockton in the same division and finalise their side from a squad of 20.